June 2026: A dog has made a remarkable recovery after he was diagnosed with canine leishmaniasis — a serious parasitic disease rarely seen in the UK. Specialist vets link chronic weight loss to patient’s travel history. Within a month of starting treatment, the dog gained significant weight and test results showed that his body was recovering.This case highlights that a detailed travel and import history can be vital in uncovering hidden causes of chronic illnesses, and that international awareness, careful clinical investigation, and commitment from specialist teams can make all the difference. Chronic issues When Winston, a one-year-old Rhodesian ridgeback, was referred to the Internal Medicine Service at the Hospital for Small Animals, he had been unwell for several months. He was suffering from severe weight and muscle loss, along with skin problems including distinctive hairless patches around his eyes. Whilst taking a detailed case history from Winston’s owner, the team learnt that he had been imported to the UK from Spain as a 15-week-old puppy. The team quickly considered leishmaniasis, a serious parasitic disease that is common in parts of mainland Europe and Africa but rarely seen in the UK. Challenging disease Canine leishmaniasis is a serious, progressive and, if left untreated, fatal disease of dogs. It can only be contracted through the bite of a sandfly, and the parasite can cause serious damage to the infected animals’ organs.Although Winston’s symptoms matched those of leishmaniasis, diagnosis was difficult. The disease can mimic many other conditions and can cause a wide range of signs. The leishmania parasite can also hide in tissues for long periods of time, so infected animals can appear healthy for months or even years. Successful diagnosis The Specialist-led Internal Medicine team carried out thorough tests. CT scans showed changes consistent with infection and kidney damage. Blood and urine tests indicated that Winston’s body was fighting an infection and that his kidneys were damaged, leading to protein being present in his urine. Although these results point to leishmaniasis, they could also be signs of other health issues.Crucially, Specialist pathologists from Easter Bush Pathology examined multiple samples from Winston’s lymph nodes and found the leishmania parasite itself within the tissues — providing a definite diagnosis Swift recovery Following his rapid diagnosis, Winston started appropriate treatment. Within four weeks, he had gained around 10kg and his skin had substantially improved. Leishmaniasis cannot be cured, however Winston’s parasite burden and activity has dropped significantly since he began treatment and tests show that his kidney function has markedly improved. He will need to remain on medication and have regular check-ups to monitor his kidney health and ensure that the parasite stays under control. Winston was seriously ill and urgently referred to the Dick Vet. The care he received was outstanding - professional, compassionate, and thorough. Thanks to their expertise, he’s now making a fantastic recovery. We’re incredibly grateful for everything they’ve done. Winston’s owner This case highlights that collating a detailed travel and import history can be vital in uncovering hidden causes of chronic illnesses. I am proud of our team of Specialist vets who, through their international expertise, careful clinical investigation and dedication to find a diagnosis, were able to help Winston. Professor Silke Salavati RCVS Specialist in Internal medicine and Head of Internal Medicine Service, Hospital for Small Animals Related links Original articleRoyal (Dick) School of Veterinary StudiesHospital for Small Animals This article was published on Thursday 2 July 2026
